Three arrested for illegal hunting in Oman

Muscat: Three people have been arrested for hunting Arabian Gazelles in the Wilayat of Mudhaibi, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) announced.
In a statement online, MECA said, "The Wildlife Protection Units of the Department of Environment and Climate Affairs in North Sharqiyah arrested three people for hunting Arabian Gazelles in Mudhaibi. [The accused were using] their vehicles, two steyr weapons, and binoculars.”
Mohamad Al Hajri, head of MECA in North Sharqiyah said: “After the arrest was made, the culprits and the tools used for the crime were handed over to Mudhaibi police station for further legal procedures,”
The case has been referred to the Public Prosecution for further investigation and trial. Royal Decree No. 6/2003 of the Law on Nature Reserves and Wildlife Conservation, Article (15), paragraph (b) stipulates that "Whoever intentionally kills, catches or smuggles any of the animals or birds shown (1) or any genetic material thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of not less than six months and not exceeding five years, and a fine of not less than OMR1,000 and not exceeding OMR5,000, or either of these penalties."
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs has called upon both citizens and residents to follow the laws, regulations and legislations in force, with regards to nature reserves and protected sites.